Snap-hook.



No. 737,384. PATENTED AUG. 25, 1903.

J. A. GAVITT.

SNAP HOOK.

APPLICATION FILED APB.. 21, 1903. NO MODEL.

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I 1 y ZZ d 5 f w, f `gipgi6f WWA/5585s.' r Y /NVEA/TOH i l ja/gies azzi 7 (QM/12,0, Ag/3% UNITED STATES Patented August 25, 1903.

JAMES ALEXANDER GAVITT, OF PENDLETON, OREGON.

SNAP-HOOK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N0. 737,384, dated August 25, 1903.

Application filed April 21, 1903. Serial No. 153,630. (No model.)

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that LJAMEs ALEXANDER GAv- ITT, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Pendleton, in the county of Umatilla and State of Oregon, have invented a new and Improved Snap-Hook, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to a snap-hook, the special but not sole purpose of which is to be used on harness for horses and the like.

The principal feature of the invention lies in the tongue and means for mounting the same and holding it in either of its two positions, (opened or closed,) these means consisting, briefiy stated, in a slightly-yielding guide attached to the tongue and embracing the shank of the hook, whereby to mount the tongue to slide toward and from the bill of the hook, and in interengaging surfaces on the tongue and shank which act to hold the tongue in either of itspositions.

This specification is an exact description of one example of my invention, while the claims define the actual scope thereof.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specilication, in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure l is a perspective view of the invention. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section thereof, showing the device open. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section showing the device closed, and Fig. fl is a section on the line 4 4 of Fig. 1.

ct indicates the hook proper, b the shank thereof, and c the eye. The shank b is formed with a groove b', wherein slides the tongue d, this tongue being movable longitudinally toward and from the bill of the hook a. In said groove b' are formed two counter cavities h2 and b3, separated by a wall or rib ffl. The tongue d is provided with a projection or bead cl, which is capable of extending into either of said cavities b2 or b3, and by this arrangement the tongue is held either in open or closed position, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3;

Attached to the tongue d are two spring fingers e, constituting a guide, these fingers being curved downward and inward and embracing the shank b, as shown. Said fingers hold the tongue in its proper position 011 the shank, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and allow the tongue to be longitudinally adjusted on the shank. When the tongue is so moved, it is raised to pass the wall b", andthe guideiingers e allow the necessary lateral movement of the tongue.

f indicates finger-knobs or projections which are attached to the spring-fingers e to facilitate the operation of the tongue. As the projection d' is moved from the cavity b2 to the cavity b3, or vice versa, it is forced over the wall b4, the fingers c giving slightly to allow this movement. This construction provides a secure and serviceable snap-hook, which is not liable to become clogged with dirt or ice, as is the case with snap-hooks ordinarily employed, and avoids the use of a spring-actuated tongue and avoids the hinge or pintle generally employed. These features enable me to provide a simple and serviceable device which may be produced at much less cost than that commonly in use.

Various changes in the form, proportions and minor details of my invention may b, resorted to at will without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Hence I consider myself entitled to all such variations as may lie within the intent of my claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desireto secure by Letters Patent l. A snap-hook, comprising a hook proper and a shank, a tongue, and a guide mounting the tongue to slide on the shank, the shank having two cavities therein and the tongue having a projection capable of entering either cavity to hold the tonguein opened or closed position.

2. A snap-hook, comprising a hook proper, a shank, a tongue lying alongside of the shank, a guide extending from the tongue transversely thereof and engaging the shank to allow the tongue to move longitudinally toward and from the bil'l of the hook proper, In testimony whereof I have signed my said guide also allowing a certain lateral name to this specification in the presence of movement of the tongue independently of two subscribing witnesses.

the shank, and the tongue and shank having JAMES ALEXANDER GAVITT. 5 the one a', cavity and the other a projection Witnesses:

on the engaging or immediately adjacent E. D. BOYD,

faces of said parts, for the purpose specified. I. BOYD. 

